SPEAKERS
Speaker, Management Trainer & Consultant
FireStarter Speaking and Consulting
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Bio coming soon.
Suicide Prevention Specialist, Mental Health Speaker & Author
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Sarah Gaer is a seasoned mental health professional with over 25 years of experience specializing in trauma, addiction, and suicide prevention. She holds a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University and has trained more than 1,000 public safety members in suicide prevention. Sarah has been a critical leader in crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters and has responded to terrorism, homicides and suicides within the community.
As a consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Sarah focuses on Law Enforcement mental health and suicide prevention. She is also a National Trainer for Psychological First Aid and actively participates in the H.O.P.E. Certification program, promoting evidence-based mental health practices within the workplace.
A renowned speaker, Sarah has delivered keynote speeches on Soul Exhaustion and Soul Care, offering a unique and enlightening perspective on healing and self-reflection. Her work has been recognized at National and International Suicide Prevention conferences, and she is a published author and advocate, having written novels and co-authored works on men's mental health.
Assistant Director of Programs and Partnerships
Centers for Health, Work & Environment Colorado School of Public Health - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
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Bio coming soon.
President
United Suicide Survivors International
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Bio coming soon.
Founder, CEO
Humannovations
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Bio coming soon.
Sr. Director of SAFE Workplaces
SAFE Project
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Cal Beyer, CWP is Sr. Director of SAFE Workplaces for national nonprofit SAFE Project (SAFE=Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic). Cal is an Executive Committee member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. A catalyst to educate, equip, and empower leaders and organizations to address root causes of addiction, Beyer promotes successful workplace solutions. Lead author of a 17-article series on opioids in For Construction Pros.
Mental Health Advocate
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Kevin Hines’ story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder for us to love the life we have. Kevin is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author and an award-winning global suicide prevention and mental health advocate. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19, he attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is now one of only 36 people who’ve survived that 220-foot jump. Kevin's story is now the only evidence-based story of a suicide attempt survived.
Though that fall would break his body, it did not break his spirit. Since that fateful day, Kevin has dedicated his life to spreading a message of hope and openly discussing mental health, often times becoming a bridge between people who have made similar attempts and their parents, siblings, children, spouses and friends.
Kevin released a memoir, "Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After A Suicide Attempt," in 2013 that went on to become a bestseller and produced the 2018 multi-award-winning documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect. His compelling story has impacted diverse audiences at schools, corporations, law enforcement organizations, religious groups, the military, health care organizations and more. He has been told by thousands of people that his story helped saved their lives and he never takes that for granted.
In 2016, Mental Health America awarded him its highest honor, the Clifford W. Beers Award, for his efforts to improve the lives of, and attitudes toward, people with mental illnesses. He was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council for Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly, and he was named a Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded him more than 70 military excellence medals as a civilian.
Kevin currently resides on the east coast with his wife, Margaret, but visits San Francisco often where he’s been working toward the creation of a safety net for the Golden Gate Bridge. Thousands of people have attempted suicide from the bridge since Kevin survived. Kevin’s fervent pursuit will come to fruition by 2023 when the net will be complete.
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Lauren Sisler is a national award-winning sports broadcaster who has been captivating audiences with her insightful coverage on ESPN since 2016. As both a sportscaster and a former collegiate gymnast, Lauren's passion goes beyond just sports; she’s dedicated to telling the stories of the coaches, athletes, and fans who make it more than a game. She is also the author of the inspiring new book, Shatterproof.
In 2003, during her freshman year at Rutgers University, Lauren faced a devastating loss that forever changed her life. Through her journey of grief and healing, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to living authentically and courageously. Lauren believes that embracing our stories—even the painful parts—can transform them into sources of strength and resilience.
Lauren now uses her platform to encourage others to confront their own challenges with bravery and to own their stories. Through her vibrant storytelling, she connects deeply with her audience, inspiring them to find peace, purpose, and the courage to redefine their own narratives.
"Your story is significant. Learn to love it, then do something with it." Lauren’s message is clear: face adversity head-on, own your journey, and let it guide you towards a future filled with greater meaning and fulfillment.
Psychologist
Paragon PsychConnect
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Bio coming soon.
Director of Education and Community Programs
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center
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Alex has an extensive background in implementation and training for the prevention and intervention of mental health services and education. As the Director of Education and Community Programs at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, Alex provides programs and trainings addressing mental well-being for workplaces, schools, and communities across the United States. She is also a master trainer in suicide prevention trainings including QPR & VitalCog.